Pro Bono Legal Advice

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What is Pro Bono

The Wikipedia definition is:

"Pro bono publico (usually shortened to pro bono) is a phrase derived from Latin meaning "for the public good".

The term is generally used to describe professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and strategy consulting firms. Pro bono service, unlike traditional volunteerism, uses the specific skills of professionals to provide services to those who are unable to afford them."

A lot of it is very informal and given quietly by individual solicitors as and when they are able. As overheads of a legal practice are typically 70% of gross income, this involves not only giving up their own time and opportunity to make a living but also a contribution of these resources.

QPILCH

Queensland Public Interest Law Clearing House (QPILCH) is a legal referral and service organisation. They refer civil law cases that meet their guidelines to firms and barristers for free legal assistance through 3 referral services:

Legal Aid Pages for Lawyers

Law Society & Bar Association

The QLS and BAQ Pro Bono Schemes were established to coordinate and target pro bono referrals in civil matters for people experiencing hardship. The schemes are is managed by QPILCH on their behalf. This is funded by the Queensland Attorney-General from the Legal Practitioner Interest On Trust Accounts Fund and by the Queensland Law Society and Bar Association of Queensland.